    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [October 6, 2004]
    [Page 2386]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Passage of the ``National Intelligence Reform Act''
    October 6, 2004

        I commend the Senate for acting in a bipartisan way to pass landmark
    legislation that will help us meet our goal to better protect the
    American people by strengthening the intelligence community. The
    ``National Intelligence Reform Act'' is consistent with my proposal to
    establish a strong National Intelligence Director with full budget
    authority and the new National Counterterrorism Center. America is a
    nation at war, and this legislation is another important step forward as
    we do everything in our power to defeat the terrorist enemy and protect
    the American people. I urge the House to act quickly so that Congress
    can resolve any differences and send legislation to me as soon as
    possible.

    Note: The statement referred to S. 2845.